Best driving experience? Mazda CX-30 Best parts reliability? Toyota Corolla Cross Best engine in class? Mazda CX-30 Best rugged off-road ability? Subaru Crosstrek Best comfort? Mazda CX-30 Best styling/design? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Best value? This too is subjective (depending upon what you're looking for); however, I personally believe that the Mazda CX-30 is the best overall value of engine power, reliability, comfort, styling and ability off road.
Boughtt a Subaru Crosstrek 2 weeks ago and am very happy. Drove home from the dealership in a snow storm with no trouble. Lots of features I'm still tyring to figure out but all in all very pleased.
Thank you also for your very detailed report. I have been a Honda drive for the last 10 years but for the first time ever purchased a Toyota cross last month after waiting 6 months for the delivery of the small suv. So far I would have to agree with everything you point out on your video. We like it very much and we hope to keep it for a long time.
I definitely went with the Mazda CX-30 S premium model. I Compromise a little with the gas mileage but definitely worth it with the stronger 2.5 engine, no need to get the pricer turbo model when you have enough power with just the normal 2.5 engine. 😉
I very recently bought a Mazda CX-30 and I love it. Came from a Honda HRV, that I liked but they didn't improve the horsepower, took away the magic seats and I didn't like the redesign. I don't commute daily or use my backseat, so the mediocre gas mileage and lack of backseat room don't affect me. The beautiful interior, horsepower and precise handling are my pluses for owning the CX-30.
I'm in the market for a new vehicle. Planning to go do some test driving this coming Saturday. Right now, I'm really leaning toward either a CX-30 or a CX-5. The main reason I'm leaning toward Mazda is they are about the only manufacturer left that hasn't gone CVT, which I don't want.
Mazda CX30 hands down. Looks the best handles the best. No CVT garbage. Premium interior. If you like to modify your vehicles this is the platform you want. Lots of aftermarket support. The 2.5 turbo running premium gas will bump you to 250hp regular gas is 227hp you loose a bit of space compared to the Honda but you gain so much more.
I got myself a manual transmission Crosstrek, which besides the 2.5 liter Outdoor seems to me like the other sweetspot in the lineup. Three people have travelled with me or drove it and later on just went ahead and bought one for themselves. It is THAT good!
Why won't they offer the manual with the Eye sight system? I test-drove one briefly the other day (an automatic, which I found annoying because it felt like rubber bands) and found outside visibility to be marginal at best. I'm going ahead with the manual because the value of the Premium is light-years beyond anything else in the field, but lacking better lines of sight, the Eye Sight would be nice if it didn't lock the owner into that Gods-awful CVT.
@@Fatelvis2 that is a valid argument, you will probably have a harder time reselling it than the auto, but for me that is irrelevant since it will be one of the last AWD manual CUVs produced, so I intend to keep it for at least 15+ years!!! maybe buy a second vehicle as a daily but wont be getting rid of it soon
The Toyota Cross hybrid is almost impossible to get. Both the Toyota cross as well as then Honda H-RV go for above MSRP in my area and that's why I eliminated them. The Mazda CX-30 drives nicely, but is very small inside on the backseats and I hate the lack of visibility mentioned in this comparison. I went with the Crosstrek for practicality and because I can actually get this vehicle below MSRP. Same would be true for the Mazda. Unfortunately, these days what you buy is often driven as much by availability and somewhat predatory dealer markups than the merits of the cars.
The secret of buying a new car is to wait until the last week of the month. Then get 2-3 dealerships competing against each other. When a dealership sells 15 cars a month, then the following year they are allotted that same amount for that month. Dealerships are more apt to offer any particular car cheaper during the last week of that month. Our local Toyota dealership has a $2K markup above the MSRP. So we drove 2 1/2 hours to Tacoma, WA USA and used our Costco discount. We got our Toyota for $750 less than MSRP and $2750 less than Town Toyota in Wenatchee Washington. So driving 5 hours round trip to save $2750 was worth it to us.
@@Doc1855 the end of month is definitely a real thing, as car dealer often want to make their sales quota. I personally found that Costco Car buying would not work with Honda and Toyota at all, since apparently the dealers here do not participate in this program at all any more. I ended up factory ordering my Crosstrek via the Subaru VIP program (joining ASPCA) that allows buying a Subaru for invoice. Best deal I could get and now I am waiting for my car to arrive (ETA in December). It does pay to do your research.
@@Herschauen I didn’t know about the ASPCA and buying a Subie for the invoice. THANK YOU ! It’ll be awhile before we need to buy another Subaru. My wife’s 19 Outback only has 18K miles & my 11 Rav 4WD only has 105K miles. I’m hoping that when my Rav wears out then the Forester will be offered with a hybrid. We’ve been talking about the Subaru Soltera to use as my wife’s commuter car and keep the Outback as our road car, or sell my Rav and use the Outback as my vehicle. Thanks again for the tip . I do appreciate it.
@@Doc1855 You are welcome. There are several ways to access the VIP program, but ASPCA is the easiest one as they allow you to join by donating $500. For others, ways, including ASPCA regular membership you have to wait 6 month. VIP is one of the best deals you can get We are Subaru fans since we bought a 2015 Forester new for my wife. my wife is also smaller and loves the great visibility of the Forester and the AWD is a godsent in bad weather here in MA. I also wanted a car with a Hybrid drive, but decided to drop this requirement since I could not get them at a price I was willing to pay with those huge markups. I hope by the time we buy another one, Subaru has more hybrid options. My wife want's an Outback and hopefully in a couple of years, the Subaru lineup will have some good hybrid options.
@@Herschauen We live in north central WA state and average 5-6 feet of snow every winter. Having an AWD or 4WD is an absolute must. We bought 1/2 of a Mtn and live on a private road, (so we have to plow and maintain the road). Our house was finished being built in 2019 and after moving from the city to the country, we knew we had to get my wife an AWD for her commute, (I retired early) so I just need a car to scoot around in. Last November, 2021, we decided that it was time to replace her 18 year old Camry, (I got tired of her needing my Rav 4WD Limited with a 3.5 V6 and me using our 4X4 pickup in the winter). This Outback is our first Subaru, but both of my brother-in-law’s live in MT and swear about Outback’s. As you know it was almost impossible to get a new car in 21. We found a 19 in Tacoma (3 hours drive) and they were selling it for $5K below KBB. It only had 5,600 miles. It’s been a fabulous car. And it’s so comfortable for road trips. We’ve driven it to ID twice and MT once. We get 30mpg on the freeway with our cruise set on 75mph. My wife is also vertically challenged (5’ 2”, lol) and she LOVES her Outback. We would recommend an Outback to anyone. My aunt is a retired State Senator and only 4’ 11” . She can drive any car she chooses or be chauffeured around, but she is on her 2nd Forrester. She recently decided to buy a 23 year model so it’s on order. Enjoy your day and I hope y’all will be buying an Outback soon.
Here in north central WA state most people drive Subaru’s. My wife’s Outback is far superior over my Rav 4WD in all driving conditions, especially during our winter months of 5-6 feet of snow
We’re opting for the HRV. The lowest trim LX offers the basic amenities we must have. Those include adaptive cruise control, a remote starter, heated seats and LED lighting all around. The Corolla Cross doesn’t include the remote starter at the base level and a good one would cost close to $1000 so that has to be factored into the overall cost. Availability is a serious issue with all car companies today but particularly with Toyota. A friend has been waiting about a year for his Corolla Cross.
Actually Honda is the manufacturer that is still struggling the most with the chip shortage and has more mark ups than Toyota. They’re both “family” vehicles so one of the most important things that the Hrv doesn’t have standard that the cross has is rear AC. Also im not sure where you are but Corolla Crosses are readily available here in FL at MSRP as well.
Lmao u don’t need any of that to drive a car. Modern drivers just get worse at driving by having creature comforts. Good choice in brand but those arnt MUST have features lol.
I am ready to do get the HRV. Consumer Report... very reliable has nothing but good things to say about it too. I test drove one. And I have loved Honda since 2006 What isn’t mentioned where Honda seems to usually lead or be at the top of the pack is... Ride quality. Parts quality. Road noise. Suspension. Visibility. and STYLE... inside too. Honda I feel is trustworthy on these hands down and is among the best overall! I am 270 pounds and the seats are very comfortable for me. Don’t understand how it can be uncomfortable unless u are somehow waaaaay bigger than me. Lol
If you don't mind sharing, what purchase method did you opt for or what would you recommend? I paid cash for my current car but now looking to go on lease, I'm not looking to pay a huge deposit for a car right now hence why I'm considering a lease, but I'm not sure if this is a good idea overall. Thanks.
I am ready to do the same. What isn’t mentioned where Honda seems to usually lead or be at the top of the pack is... Ride quality. Parts quality. Road noise. Suspension. Visibility. and STYLE... inside too. Honda I feel is trustworthy on these hands down and is among the best overall!
Dude you cannot say a 2023 anything is "reliable" in 2022. Maybe an exception can be made for Toyota, but for the rest, let's see how they are doing at 150k miles
The Crosstrek is one of the most spacious in terms of rear passenger leg room. The trunk suffers but that isn't important. What it needs is rear AC vents for the kids and the Kicks doesn't need AWD if you don't live in a very snowy area. It's overated I think. California, Florida, Texas, Mexico? I am in Canada and a good set of winters tires is good enough. The Corolla Cross is a good value with rear AC vents along with the Kia and Hyundais. The HRV is overweight and underpowered with no rear AC vents so no buy for me. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is my first choice here which isn't available yet in Canada.
Just need to be able to carry two Norwegian Elkhounds to the home center for their excursions. By the way, compare the passenger and cargo space in the Crosstrek with a 1974 Dodge Coronet sedan. Advantage Crosstrek. I disagree about the AWD; I do all right with all-season tires on my RWD pick-up in the moderate-to-hot climate where I live, but there are times even in warm conditions in Georgia when that little extra boost would give a bit more confidence. I looked at and sat in the similar Impreza, but found the seating too low for ease of egress when the driver's seat was set to a level where I could see under the inside mirror and all those cameras.
@@rarecuts3832 Nobody goes offroad here with those type of vehicles. Why would I go slowly over some bumps that may damage my car when Jeeps and 4x4 can do better but aren't great on pavement. You cant have it both ways. Id rather just park and hike through that area in the park 🙂
Because you recognized the current problems with HMG, I subscribed. I really thought Hyundai/Kia/Genesis would overtake Honda and Toyota, but they must address these issues. My assumption was the 10 year/100,000 mile power train warranty meant quality, but I was wrong.
It's much wiser to buy quality at the outset rather than to rely on your ability to do battle with the company in an effort to enforce written warranty provisions.
Did the video about the recall issue come out? I’m in need of a new car and would like to stay with Hyundai (have a 2005) but now I’m hesitant with the issues
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you put the cx-30 as one of the worst SUVs in another video? I'm not sure why you would put the CX 30 as both the worst and the best. By the way I was surprised how beautiful the Subaru Crosstrek looks in traffic. A lot of cars that are beautiful in pictures look pretty ugly in traffic, and I thought the Subaru, which doesn't look so beautiful in pictures, would be the same but it's not
Cross best over-all, HRV best interior, Crosstrek best for flashflood, Kia/Hyundai best for looks only not reliability & insurance. I've been researching VW Taos, Ford Maverick, Chevy Trax etc. I love Mazda (cx5 owner,) Nissan is the most affordable. Need a car asap but no inventory in SETX. Dealership selling high-end top trim. When are prices/interest going down? How to get around mark-ups? Not comfortable buying Used plus almost same price range with brand new. Preorder is a scam.
Well based on the current market everything is overpriced. Dealers have high interest rates and when someone wants to buy in cash Dealers increase the price upto $4,000. So I don't know where is the affordability.
The kicks SR premium looks mighty fine for the money. I couldn't manage to sell one to my traditionally toyota household... but i wouldn't have minded owning one.
I went with the Crosstrek myself, getting the "Outdoor" trim, which is the 2.5L engine. I personally think this trim is the sweet spot of the lineup, and is unique to Canada. The Outdoor trim gives you the benefit of the larger engine along with more rugged wheel well and body panelling and better seat material. What it _doesn't_ do (and I love this) is waste that upgrade money on unnecessary tech and luxury features, or pointless compromises in the body (looking at you, sunroof). You get a lot of value for the money, and the larger engine means I can strap big sea-kayaks to the roof and the car doesn't strain to deal with the extra drag. Another very unique reason I had for getting that was the entry height. At the time, my wife was due for a hip replacement, and getting into and out of a car becomes something you are hyper-aware of when your partner struggles to do it. A vehicle that sits too low (like a car) means you have to get _down_ into it, and then try to lift yourself out. On the other side of the spectrum, some SUVs and trucks are so tall that you have climb _up_ and down to get in and out of them - also very difficult with a failing hip, or fresh hip replacement. The Crosstrek sits at a sort of Goldilocks height where you don't really have to get up or down all that much - just slide in (at least, for someone the size of my wife - 5'2"). So, while that's likely not a very common reason, I think it's a good one to consider if mobility concerns plays into your use of a vehicle.
@@AbleMable I think that was a very smart choice though on Subaru's part. The problem with LED headlights is that the entire headlight assembly is a custom built unit for that vehicle. On the US Subaru parts site, the LED one for the Crosstrek is $995 USD - and that's for _one_ . So, while they don't burn out as frequently as normal lighs, when they do, that's the replacement cost. You can't just buy a bulb for them. Now, given the Outdoor trim is more likely to see use on some more cottage back-road sort of places, the ability to quickly replace a burned out bulb was considered. It takes less than 2 minutes to change a bulb in mine. And even if the housing gets damaged, the replacement cost of the Halogen housing is a fraction of the cost. I would *much* rather have the old-school headlights, as such.
@@Dakiraun Whatever you tell yourself so you feel better about your purchase is fine by me, The LED headlights on these cars are game changers. A literal night and a difference between regular halogens and these LEDs. I don't think Subaru thought about replacement LED bulbs and how they were going to profit off of them down the line. Furthermore, I don't expect them to go out in the time I own the car, I would imagine they would probably well past the car's life anyways.
Here in the USA your trim level on your Subie is called the Sport model. I believe in mid 23 Subaru is coming out with a Wilderness trim on the Crosstrek. This gives more ground clearance, more body cladding with Startex (high grade vinyl) interior. We already have the Wilderness on the Outback and the engine is a 2.4 turbo, and the transmission ratios are lower. The Forester Wilderness has the same lower geared transmission but only gets the 2.5 liter, like in your Subie. The ground clearance for the Wilderness goes from 8.5 to 9.2 on the Crosstrek and Forester. The Outback Wilderness goes from 8.5 to 9.7. I bought my wife an Outback last November (2021). It has the 2.5 but the engine is barely adequate for the size of the vehicle. I don’t know where you’re at in Canada but we live in north central WA state USA and get 5-6 feet of snow every winter. We have to put our Outback into X mode just to get up our private road and into our garage during the winter months. I hope your wife is recovering well from surgery.
I only hear about reliability and quality problems with American built Hyundai and Kia cars. Hyundai is the most popular car in Australia with very few reliability complains. Kia is down in numbers and problems are also rare.
If you spend a lot of time in your car, the CX-30 is the best. Great design, comfort and ease of use. The others are more for people who just look at cars as a way of getting from A to B. Not an apple to apple's comparison. I traded a lexus UX 250H luxury for a cx30 turbo premium plus. Mazdas are superior.
Big difference between longevity Honda and Toyota and longevity with hiccups in the middle. Subaru. If you knew who designed modern Mazdas you wouldn't even have them on this list. The old ones didn't last forever either.
Thank you very much for your excellent report. I have always had Honda’s and they are definitely reliable for a very long time, more than 10 years. I think I would consider the Toyota Corolla cross hybrid or the Honda HRV, if they ever make a hybrid.
Congrats, my wife and I really like the Crosstrek. We're in the market for a smaller SUV. Test drove one with the 2.0 litre engine, felt a bit underpowered. The Dealer didn't have a 2.5 available to test drive. What year and engine is yours?
Your statement that both the Honda HRV amd Toyota Corolla Cross are reliable is based on what data. Previous generations of the manufacturers vehicles may have been reliable, but these are two new platforms with no long term data. That’s an issue for me when shopping for new vehicles.
just bought a cx-30 (select model) a few weeks ago, definitely the best choice. Have that luxury car feeling, the car is beautiful. Price is right and i got it for MSRP - 1000.
The numbers for the CX30 in this video are from the 2022 model. They have done a few great updates in 2023…. Moving into the CX-30 GS brings the updated Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine into the mix. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, this efficient powertrain is now capable of 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and with updated cylinder-deactivation technology, provides a rating of 9.0 L/100km in the city, 7.1 L/100km on the highway, and 8.2 L/100km combined.
I got a Nissan Kicks. Mainly because the car market where I'm at meant that Subaru is too expensive and Toyota are out of stock. Even Honda was too expensive or out of stock. Even Hyundai is out of stock. I would have gone Kia but the pricing was $3k-$5k US or more and Kia was lacking some features that Nissan had standard. I am kind of upset that Ford, Chrysler or GM didn't have anything around $25k out the door price. I Love my 2023 Kicks but it is still leaving me wishing that I had gotten better for cheaper.
Hyundai and Kia are actually pretty reliable. There’s proof of Elantras with 1 million kilometres on the original powertrain. I’d pick Hyundai, Kia and Toyota any day over a Nissan. CVT transmission problems, and you think Hyundai is bad. You got it backwards there bud 🤣🤣
I am migrating in Indiana,USA but i am having problem choosing a car, i am driving a nissan almera in my home country but of course i know i have to shift to SUV since its snowing in the state that i will be assigned. I am choosing between VW Tiguan AWD and Nissan Rogue AWD but I saw your review for VW Tiguan and I decided not to proceed with that. Now, i'm looking to VW Taos AWD but im not sure with its reliability, hope u give your thoughts about this 😅😂. nissan rogue AWD is still top on my list 😅
Fantastic video as always unfortunately Subaru which is my top choice wants $7,000 over sticker price and the Toyota cross I was told would be $5,000 over sticker price. Since this would just be a toy for me I'm not willing to pay above market pricing
Great review Shari, For the life of me I can’t figure out why so many automobile companies put in a CVT. An 8 or 10 spd geared transmission is more efficient and reliable than the CVT. They also rob the engine on hp. I know it’s cheaper for the manufacturer to put in a CVT, but they NEVER pass that savings onto their “valued customers” and we’re looking at a $8K price tag for a new one. It’s too bad someone wouldn’t start building an 8spd geared transmission so when our CVTs crap out we can have a geared transmission put in
Luckily some CVTs are proving to be quite reliable. I've seen quite a few Toyota and Honda CVTs with over 200k on them, which I guess is about as good as you can ask for with any automatic.
The CVT on my Honda Fit is approaching 11 years and have no problems so far. I have no problem driving a car with CVT, they have come a long way and they are becoming more reliable as time goes by.
@@repairman99 The CVT simply robs the car of hp and torque. We currently own an Outback with a CVT. Prior to the our Outback my wife drove her 4cyl 4spd geared auto transmission Camry for 18 years and it had more get up and got better mpg than our 19 Outback with a CVT
It's too bad so many buyers are brainwashed into thinking they want an automatic for some nebulous _think about your trade-in value_ blather. If my vehicle has any trade-in value after I finish with it, I haven't gotten my initial investment back. I'm just going out the door to the Subaru dealer (some deal, but at least they didn't try to pile on ADMU) to pick up my 2023 Crosstrek Premium 6 speed, as in I'm waiting for the oober
Unfortunately these so called auto journalist forget NISSAN vehicles alot, so most of these Sub compact SUVs dont even offer a multi link rear suspension like in the Qashqai..........
I bought a 2023 Corolla Cross L AWD it's a dream to drive ...and I have zero worries I know it will be reliable for years and years to come We really enjoy your honest & informative videos. Oh & by the way we waited 13 months to get ours they are not easy to get.
Bought 2022 Jeep renegade latitude 4x4 Auto extras-heated steering wheel and seats, turbo. Simple, easy to drive and up front comfortable seats. I have a bad back these sear offer plenty of support. Easy to enter and exit. Gas mileage is ok, power is good it’s not a screamer off the line, I don’t need it to be. Drove from Maine to NY and back was comfortable, planted road manners and excellent steering feel. Recommend as good non luxurious SUV transportation only thing I would like is better gas mileage. 29 mpg on highway and 24 mpg in town, not horrible unless gas prices go way up. Can’t beat 4x4 transmission was smooth and breaking when needing a quick stopping on a dime in NY traffic. Doesn’t seem to make many top recommended lists but am very happy with this product. Like quirky design even if it’s been around for a while now.
I've been generally impressed with my '21 Chevrolet Trailblazer. It's a great car for a city driver like myself and is worth a look. However, the higher trims are a bit steep for what you get. Ones in this video may have a better price for the options.
I'm looking for a new vehicle and was considering the Trailblazer until I saw it now has CVT transmission. Do you know anything about the reliability of Chevy's CVT transmissions?
I ordered the Toyota Corolla cross xle AWD back in July . Haven’t got it yet but I hope it’s the best like you say . Fingers crossed I get it in January
Wow...I ordered my CX-30 in July and took delivery in October, and I thought that was a long wait. Good thing I didn't go for a Cross, the lease on my previous car was up in September. I hope you get your car soon.
Sounds quality is poor - get yourself a new mic. It's not a full rich sound for dialog. I am 60yo and my hearing is starting to go. I use a sound bar for my TV, for this reason - dialog on TV loses some of the range and is harder to hear. A sound bar fills it out. You have the same problem at the start and end of each sentence, I lose the first and last fraction of a second and the rest is flatter and a colder sound. I can hear what you are saying. But if I was listening to you all day, I'd have a headache after an hour or so. It applies to multiple vehicles so not specific to one vehicle. But could be something to do with mic placement. As your dialog is maybe 90% of all the sound I hear, this should be much better
Mazda CX-30 would definitely be my choice here. Besides the best design and a great technology, only one which offers a "normal" transmission. Anyone who enjoys driving and possibly tried a CVT would never go for it again.
I really love your reviews and your honesty. In your opinion which should I buy, the Nissan Kicks, Kia Soul or the Hyundai Venue. Thank you so much. Keep up the great reviews
Well done! I totally concur on the top 3. I would pick the Toyota Cross Hybrid, but must wait and see about those wire harness issues in the Rav 4 Hybrid. See if they carry over.
Out of all these small SUV’s I would go for the Crosstrek. The Honda no thanks it cost too much and it doesn’t even have a temperature gauge. For what they are asking for the Honda the temp gauge should be included. I don’t understand why Honda did away with the temperature gauge on this suv they also did away with it on the CRV and I believe the Civic Si.
By the way I don't appreciate how you put the same burning car in three or four different captions making it look like there was different burning cars there. That was a real slight against Kia Hyundai
in China there is a Toyota Frontlander, which they say is the follow up of the Corolla Cross. I've made a video where I didnt speak on it which I will give you for free. Let me know if you want it.
We are talking about reliability and value for money which means nothing really and means nothing really i have seen many videos of the hr-v awd system and others as well not as nearly as good as the Subaru cross trek so we should consider day to day use of any vehicle in the crossover range how are you going to use the vehicle etc. not just based on price and reliability so just on all the things i said above i would go the Subaru cross trek. Now if it had a turbo i would not even bye a wrx i would buy the cross trek instead for sure.
